STEP 1: Getting Started With the Right Mindset
- COURSE OVERVIEW
Step 1 of The Power of Ownership™ is the foundation of the entire homebuying process. This step is not about paperwork or bank accounts—it’s about belief, vision, and preparedness. Before applying for a mortgage, before viewing homes, the first thing every future homeowner must secure is their mindset. What do you believe about your capacity? What is your purpose? Do you understand your rights and protections?
This course teaches participants to break mental, emotional, cultural, and systemic barriers that keep many from ever taking the first step. With scriptures, quotes, data, legal context, exercises, and inspiring stories, this module will anchor your decision to own with vision, resilience, and confidence. A transformed mindset is not optional—it is essential.
We begin here because the most common barriers to homeownership are not financial—they are psychological: fear of rejection, ignorance of rights, and a lack of vision. This module is where the mental walls fall, and the possibilities open.
- LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this step, participants will:
- Clarify their personal “Why” for homeownership
- Identify and confront mindset obstacles (fear, shame, doubt, generational discouragement)
- Learn how federal and state laws protect their housing rights
- Develop a vision board and purpose statement for homeownership
- Understand that ownership is both a spiritual calling and a practical responsibility
- Recognize that wealth-building begins first with belief, then behavior
III. SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION
Proverbs 23:7 (NKJV) – “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
This verse reminds us that our mindset precedes our reality. The battle to own a home begins in the mind long before it’s won in the market. If we think small, live small, or believe we’re unworthy, we will unconsciously sabotage ourselves. This scripture is a call to mentally possess what we want to physically claim.
Deuteronomy 6:10-11 reminds us of God’s promise to give homes we did not build and wells we did not dig. But this promise requires mental agreement.
- INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES
“Before you own a home, you must own a vision. Before you sign a deed, you must sign your belief.” — Coach Greb
“The only property line that matters first is the one drawn in your thinking.”
“To change your financial status, change your mental status.”
- STARTING WITH PURPOSE
Why do you want to own a home? This is more than a casual question. It’s a clarifying compass. Some common answers include:
- Security for children
- Legacy building
- Escape from rent inflation
- Creating a sacred space to grow spiritually
- Financial independence
Exercise: Write your Homeownership Purpose Statement. Example: “I want to own a home to build wealth for my children, to create stability, and to honor the legacy of my ancestors who couldn’t.”
Discussion Prompt: How would your life change if you owned a home today?
- MINDSET BARRIERS TO BREAK
Homeownership is not just a transaction—it is a transformation. And transformation requires confronting lies, limiting beliefs, and old programming.
- Financial Fear: “I don’t make enough.” This is often untrue. With down payment assistance and credit improvement strategies, many qualify without knowing it.
- Historical Discouragement: “No one in my family has owned.” You could be the first. Break the generational curse by becoming the blueprint.
- Systemic Discrimination: “People like me don’t get approved.” Housing laws are on your side. We must fight fear with fact.
- Credit Shame: “My report is too bad to fix.” Your credit past does not disqualify your ownership future. Thousands repair and qualify every year.
Reframe: Each of these is a hurdle, not a wall. We jump over hurdles with tools, coaching, and faith.
VII. LEGAL RIGHTS THAT PROTECT YOU
Understanding your housing rights is essential. When you know what you’re entitled to, you walk differently.
Federal Protections:
- Fair Housing Act: Prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and family status.
- Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA): Prevents lenders from denying you credit based on protected categories.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Ensures reasonable accommodations in housing processes.
State Protections: States often expand on federal law. For example:
- California FEHA: Adds sexual orientation and source of income.
- New York Human Rights Law: Protects against discrimination based on immigration status.
Message: These are not just laws—they are shields.
VIII. CASE STUDY: Alicia Finds Her Power
Alicia, a single mom in Georgia, applied for an apartment and was told, “We don’t rent to people with kids.” She didn’t know this was illegal under the Fair Housing Act. Defeated, she gave up on her dream of homeownership. Months later, at a nonprofit workshop, she discovered her rights.
She filed a HUD complaint, received financial counseling, cleaned her credit, and found a city down payment grant. Within 18 months, Alicia owned a three-bedroom home.
Lesson: Power follows knowledge. Action follows belief.
- CLASSROOM DISCUSSIONS
- What negative messages have you heard about homeownership?
- What laws were you unaware of before today?
- Who are you becoming by pursuing ownership?
Group Activity: Break into small groups and share the biggest mindset lie you believed—and the truth replacing it.
- KEY VOCABULARY
- Mindset – Mental attitudes that shape your behavior.
- Ownership – Legal possession and responsibility.
- Vision – A clear mental picture of your goal.
- Fair Housing – Equal access and protection in housing.
- Empowerment – Confidence through knowledge and rights.
- Protected Class – A group shielded from discrimination.
- Legal Recourse – Ability to file a complaint or lawsuit.
- Inclusion – Ensuring participation for all.
- Purpose – Your personal mission or reason.
- Motivation – The drive behind your actions.
- PRACTICE EXERCISES
- Vision Mapping: Draw or write out what your ideal life will look like after becoming a homeowner. Include faith, finances, family, and fulfillment.
- Discrimination Scenario Analysis: Read real-world scenarios and determine if a housing violation occurred. Identify the law that applies.
- Empowerment Journal Prompt: “What belief do I need to change to step into my power as a future homeowner?”
- Declaration of Ownership: “I declare that I am worthy, ready, and able to own property. I break the cycle. I am a builder of legacy.”
XII. TEACHER’S MANUAL SNAPSHOT
Goals:
- Shift internal belief systems
- Introduce legal rights
- Begin goal formation and mental activation
Suggested Tools:
- Housing Rights Handout
- Affirmation Cards
- Vision Board Supplies
- Video clip: HUD Fair Housing PSA
Activities:
- Partner Empowerment Interviews
- Legal Scenario Roleplays
- Group Mindset Mural: Each student adds a declaration
XIII. PARTICIPANT GUIDE SUMMARY
Includes:
- Homeownership Motivation Worksheet
- Rights & Protections Overview
- Journal & Declaration Template
- Personal Action Checklist
Assignments:
- Define your “Why” and submit a 1-paragraph statement
- Create a personal affirmation card
- Share one myth you’ve debunked with the class
- Find your state’s housing rights website
XIV. DATA, RESEARCH & INSIGHT
- According to HUD, housing discrimination still affects over 4 million people annually.
- The 2022 Urban Institute report found that 74% of renters believe they’ll “never own a home.”
- Pew Research reveals that 58% of Millennials delay homeownership due to mindset—not just money.
Implication: We must teach the truth early: mindset is the most affordable step to take.
- CONCLUSION
Mindset is the master key. Every home purchased started first as a belief that it was possible. Before you research a lender or tour a home, you must tour your beliefs. Break barriers. Embrace your power. Activate your legal rights. And step forward knowing that this journey is yours.
Scripture Reminder: “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” — Proverbs 16:3 (NLT)
You’re not just dreaming of ownership—you’re preparing for it. And every preparation step is a seed. Let your belief be bold, your plan be clear, and your actions be fueled by vision.
Declaration: I am not just a dreamer—I am a future deed holder.
